Kathmandu, February 12

Nepal Police has launched a Traffic Communication App, which helps smartphone users know whether a driver has been replaced by another in long-route buses.

The Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1993 has made it mandatory for transport entrepreneurs to maintain two drivers in vehicles that ply routes longer than 250 km. According to Highway Security and Traffic Directorate of Nepal, the app was developed and launched to implement the prevailing law and prevent road accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Deputy Inspector General Purna Chandra Joshi the app would also substitute the manual time card. “The data recorded by the app will also help criminal investigation. As even the drivers are responsible for road accidents, this app is expected to make transport entrepreneurs maintain two drivers in long-route vehicles,” he informed. The app users will also be able to keep track of GPS location during their travel and check licence number of driver and time card. Nepal Police said the app had been launched in Nagdhunga of Kathmandu, Karmaiya of Sarlahi, Shambhunath Municipality of Saptari, Sunawal Municipality of Nawalparasi and Kohalpur of Banke.

On-duty traffic police will get to know whether a driver has been replaced by another during a security check on the basis photo.